Best and fairest: Michael Barlow
Senior Coach: Simon Atkins
Arrivals and departures:
IN: Cameron Wight (Western Bulldogs), Mitch Thorp (Hawthorn), Matthew Laidlaw (Sydney), Gabby Denton, Ben Moloney (Geelong Falcons) Luke Garland (OMFL Lavington), Joe Halloran, Kyle Harigan, Mathew Notman, Scott Sherlock, (Western Jets), Nathan Laracy (O&MFL Wodonga), Brad Mangan, Farren Priest (Murray Bushrangers), Jase Perkins (WRFL Port Melbourne Colts)
OUT: Michael Barlow (Fremantle rookie list), Scott Howard (umpiring), Chris Kangars, Nathan Thompson (retired)
North Melbourne Aligned Players:
Leigh Adams
Todd Goldstein
Majak Daw
Michael Firrito
Levi Greenwood
Nathan Grima
Lachie Hansen
Brent Harvey
Ayden Kennedy
Jamie MacMillan
Hamish McIntosh
Scott McMahon
Conor Meredith
Alan Obst
Nathan O` Keefe
Brady Rawlings
Ben Ross
Matthew Scott
Ben Speight
Robbie Tarrant
Scott Thompson
Ben Warren
Sam Wright
Jack Ziebell
Fixture:
The Werribee Tigers open their season away to Box Hill, who they played in a three quarter practice match last week.
Werribee’s first home game is a history making one, under lights against the new Gold Coast side.
Facing the likes of Collingwood and Williamstown during the opening five rounds of season 2010 will be a tough ask - both clubs primed for being seasons after making it deep into the final last year.
Werribee fans will appreciate having to play last year’s grand finalist the Northern Bullants only once, but it’s not all good news with two games against premiers North Ballarat.
Key Players:
Werribee has recruited extensively with a concerted effort to bring greater depth to its list. If the side can reach the finals, it’s hoped head coach Simon Atkins won’t have to rely too heavily on his North Melbourne listed players. Aside from the ex-AFL players in Wight, Thorp and Laidlaw, the Tigers have signed several talented youngsters from the TAC Cup, local and country competitions.
Wight, a former Western Bulldogs defender, struggled to nail down a spot in a strong back six but was a solid performer for Williamstown at VFL level in 2009. He is tall and can play all over the ground and would ideally slot in the Tigers defence but can be used forward if needed.
Thorp showed much potential during his time with Hawthorn but only managed two games due to wretched run with injuries. He played his first game last week in the reserves and was encouraging. If Robbie Tarrant plays up forward regularly, Thorpe could be forced to take up a key defensive post.
The Year Ahead:
Werribee just missed the finals last year after consistently cementing a top eight spot for several seasons prior.
The Tigers have retained 34 players from their list and the recruitment of some AFL experience should allow them to have a greater impact this year.
The club’s decision to retain Atkins as part-time coach will be put to the test.
